Central News
Oct 2024 | Vol. 33, No. 2
Join Us for Sunday Worship at 10:30 am!
Download the PDF Version of this newsletter
A Good Word From Patrick
Hey folks! As I write this, I have eleven blisters on my hands. After hearing several members at Central talk about how peaceful and quiet the Seekonk River is early in the morning and how much meaningful community exists at the Narragansett Boat Club, I decided to take a class to learn how to row. Folks who are new have to start on a boat called a “barge,” which is wide enough for two rows of rowers to sit side by side, making it particularly stable for newbies to learn how to do a proper rowing stroke without worrying about tipping the boat over.
I always get nervous trying new things. I worry about how well I’ll do. I worry about whether or not I’ve gotten myself trapped in something I won’t necessarily like. I think (I hope) it’s just a normal part of it. New habits, new hobbies, new jobs, and any real, fresh start often come with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
The first few sessions of rowing were easy enough. We were learning how to set the rigging to ensure efficient strokes, how to hold the oar, how to move through each step of the stroke, how to time our strokes together so we move smoothly through the water, and how to work as cogs in a machine. Then, things ramped up.
So, as I begin my last week of “barge class,” I have eleven blisters healing on my hands into the beginnings of calluses. Those calluses will make rowing easier in the future if I decide to keep at it. And they remind me of the simple and profound truth that growth often requires some discomfort. They remind me of the first blisters-turned-calluses that showed up when I started farming years ago and the blisters that turned into calluses when I started learning to play the guitar. In time, the places that wear hardest become the strongest points in the future.
The same is true for any other new habit. Starting a new meditation practice can come with significant difficulties, too. Learning to stay with the pain of boredom or discontent that comes up in a session of mindfulness practice builds up the capacity to be pleasantly bored and content. The weakness of a beginning practice becomes a strength later. It requires some intentionality. It requires some humility. It requires some determination and consistency. But, if we are willing to endure some slight discomfort (not pain), we may find that our hands, muscles, minds, and spirits grow stronger through it.
When was the last time you engaged in this kind of discomfort to start a new habit? What was it like to push yourself into a new strength?
I look forward to hearing from you! See ya Sunday – Patrick
Video Streaming Comes to Central!
In September, after months of planning, Central’s audio/video vendor CMI installed new equipment in the sanctuary to accommodate live video streaming of church services. This was a truly collaborative effort involving the Technology and Prudential Committees, Board of Deacons, the Reverend Patrick Faulhaber, organist and choirmaster Patrick Aiken, and audio/visual technician Jim Silverthorn.
While live streaming will serve members and friends who can’t attend Worship due to geographic, scheduling, or physical limitations – the primary goal is to grow Central Congregational Church.
Just as people research products online before making purchases, they also visit church websites and their YouTube and Facebook channels. They want to learn more about a church’s faith community and expect to view portions of the Sunday Worship service.
We want Central’s video stream to mirror the live Worship experience. There may be occasional wide shots of the congregation, but the focus will be on our clergy, scripture readers, choir, and those sharing announcements. We are also working with Susannah to capture the Children’s Moment. Highlighting our growing youth program is a priority, but we also must protect children’s privacy.
Central’s system consists of several pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras and the equipment needed to control and switch between them. Each camera will be positioned as unobtrusively as possible and programmed to move between predetermined angles – pulpit, lectern, choir, etc. – allowing a single volunteer to operate them from the back of the sanctuary.
We are seeking volunteers interested in training to operate the system. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about video production and technology. If you are interested, reach out to Tom Viall, Don Wolfe, or anyone on the Technology Committee.
Throughout October, we will test the system, train volunteers, create documentation, and provide updates. When we have the systems in place to produce a live stream that showcases the Central we all love, we will provide instructions for watching the live stream. We will also add a video section to the church website. Until then, please send any questions to the church office.
The Deacon’s Bench
With Patrick and Claudia’s leadership, we are working through the book of Galatians and focusing on Fruits of the Spirit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22). My first impression was that they all are rather the same things. So I thought I’d do some independent study and share a layman’s perspective.
Love: Paul lists Love first because it’s the foundation of all the others. He refers specifically to “agape love” – the love that God has for us and that we should extend these selfless love to all, even our enemies.
Joy: Is Paul instructing us to “just be happy”? Not exactly. I interpret this as a lesson to be grateful for the love of God – to rejoice and be glad in the Lord (Psalm 32:11 and Matthew 5:12).
Peace: Initially, I thought Paul was saying, “be nice; don’t fight.” But I now understand that he is talking about inner peace that comes with deep faith in God’s love. “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds” (Philippians 4:7).
Forbearance (long suffering or patience): Paul teaches us not just to be patient, but to be in touch with the Holy Spirit and to trust God with situations that challenge us.
Kindness: This is very similar to love. I think Paul is calling for compassion and forgiveness – to meet people where they are and not where we wish them to be.
Goodness: I see Goodness as a call to action. Paul is calling us to actively find opportunities to give of ourselves for the benefit of others.
Faithfulness: Life can challenge our ability to fully trust in and even believe in God. Paul directs us to face those times head-on with deep faith in God and His love for us.
Gentleness: I first thought Paul meant “peace,” but I now see that when situations seem to call for an eye-for-an-eye response, Paul says to be gentle instead. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). I see Mother Theresa in this.
Self-Control: This is the culmination of all the other Fruits of the Spirit. We are to take responsibility for our behavior. God made us in His image and so expects us to strive to behave in his image. “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 7).
I pray that my endeavor to more deeply understand the Fruits of the Spirit will inspire you to go on a learning journey of your own. Be well. God bless. – Bill Connors
Mission Luncheon
This month, the Mission and Action committee will host its first mission luncheon of the year, featuring guest speakers Shirley Hardison and Suzanne Swanson, co-chairs of the Haiti Task Force.
The Haiti Task Force – a mission of the Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ – has been providing education, quality health care, orphan relief, spiritual support, and community-based services for the people of Haiti for more than 30 years. Central has long participated in these mission efforts, sending mission volunteers, raising funds to send Haitian children to school, and supporting the Egg-a-Day Nutrition program.
A simple soup and bread lunch will be served. Sunday, Oct. 6, immediately following Worship, in Chapel Hall.
Seeking a Church Home?
If you are looking for a church – or know someone who is – we would love to talk with you about it at our Inquirers’ Meeting. It’s very informal. You’ll meet with our senior minister, Patrick Faulhaber, and others like you who think Central may be the right church home. No commitment necessary. To join us, fill out a pew card during Sunday Worship or call the Church Office at 401-331-1960, and Patrick will get in touch.
Inquirers’ Meeting: Tuesday, October 22, 7 pm
Faith Exploration: Wednesday, October 30, 7 pm
New Member Sunday: Sunday, November 3, 10:30 am
World Communion Sunday
On the first Sunday in October, Christians around the globe celebrate World Communion Sunday. On this day, we remember that Jesus Christ is Head of the Church and that all denominations that promote Christian unity are one – and we draw faith and inspiration from seeing we are part of a community of billions of believers. Join us as we share in the sacrament with Christians the world over! Sunday, Oct. 6, 10:30 am
Adult Sunday School
Jesus’ earliest followers faced obstacles like the political power of the Roman Empire and varied religious beliefs of those around them. Even through persecution, Christianity persevered and spread. In Adult Sunday School we’ll explore how, in those early days, Peter and Paul led the way that became “The Way.” Questions? Ask Claudia. Sundays Oct. 6, 13 and 20, 9 am, in the Fireplace Room
Fruits of the Spirit Gatherings
This month we’ll continue to explore Paul’s Fruits of the Spirit and what they mean for us today. Just sign up in Chapel Hall! Tuesday, Oct. 1, 10 am, at Caroline Johnson’s home. Thursday, Oct. 17, 6:30 pm, at Tracy Baran’s home.
Amos House Breakfast Volunteers
Please consider becoming an Amos House Breakfast Volunteer! Amos House provides 400 meals every day. And on Wednesday mornings, Central members meet in the Amos House kitchen to help assemble pre-packaged breakfasts. If you can volunteer every week, that’s great. But if you can only come occasionally, we welcome – and need – every extra set of hands. Questions? Contact Tracy Baran (tmoorf@gmail.com). Wednesdays, 6:30 am, in the Amos House Kitchen (460 Pine Street, Providence)
In Memoriam
Our prayers and sympathy are with Jennifer Cookke on the death of her father, Henry John Keigwin. Requiescat in pace
From Claudia
While driving through western Rhode Island last week, I saw a few trees preparing for autumn. The yellow of their leaves stood out against the green leaves all around them, a harbinger of what is to come. At my favorite local farm stand, the fall produce is starting to come in from the fields. Some of the bins are now filling with native apples, squash, cabbage, and so many other fall delights. The well-known horticultural writer and the first woman to receive a degree in landscape architecture, Elizabeth Lawrence, reminds us that “everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.”
As a child I walked through our woods almost every day. I looked for the first wild violets and cowslips in the early spring, the first lady slippers in early summer, and the beginnings of the leaves changing color in autumn. Watching them turn was slow but steady until finally, each one burst forth with the colors of its kind.
There is an unfolding at this time of year. The daylight shortens, the nights grow cooler, the weather changes. I am reminded of the ancient prophet Joel who wrote to the people to be glad and rejoice in God who is faithful and who has given us the autumn rains (Joel 2:23). It was true all those millennia ago and is still true today.
And so I challenge you to look deeply at this changing season, soaking in all that it has to offer and absorbing what it means to be fully immersed in God’s presence. For we are traveling through an in-between time in so many ways, but isn’t that always so? Isn’t life always betwixt and between? But the grace of God remains steady and sure.
May God bless us each and every day with knowing that all good gifts around us come from our Creator, the Creator of all. As Joel reminds us, let us rejoice in God’s glorious world, not only during this season, but also during all the seasons of our lives.
Yours in wonder and awe – Claudia
Join the All Saints Band!
Organist/choirmaster Patrick Aiken is looking for a few – actually, several – good instrumentalists to form an All Saints Band that will join Central’s church school children in the All Saints Day Parade during Worship on Sunday, Nov. 3. The band will play “When The Saints Go Marching In” in the key of F. Rehearsal will be at 10 am that morning. Please help us remember and celebrate saints – past and present – who have touched our lives as Christians. All musicians are welcome!
The Central Congregational Church Choir
If you love to sing, there’s no better place to make “a joyful noise,” challenge yourself musically, and become part of a vibrant community of music lovers. The Central Congregational Church Choir sings at Sunday Worship from September through June and presents special services of music throughout the year. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm and warms up Sunday mornings at 9:15 am.
Accolades
Central member Barbara Silvis has received the Tribal Chief Award from Higher Ground International (HGI), a non-profit dedicated to advocating, empowering, and providing life-changing services to Liberians and West African immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities.
The Tribal Chief Award refers to the role of the tribal chief, who ensures the well-being of the tribe’s members. HGI noted that Barb was selected to receive this award because she has exemplified unwavering support for the Higher Ground family since the organization was founded in 2008. She has always been “behind the scenes helping to open doors – even providing her personal resources – to create access to resources.” Congratulations, Barb!
In the Gallery
This October, the Gallery at Central Congregational Church will present “Elemental Echoes: An Exploration of Color and Time,” by Providence artist Hollybeth Runco.
Hollybeth worked as a mechanical engineer for 28 years until deafness and a medical condition ended her corporate career. Her pursuit of happiness, then dictated an entirely new course. She learned to paint at the Providence Art Club – where she is now an exhibiting member.
This exhibit presents a variety of landscapes and waterscapes that juxtapose Hollybeth’s dynamic use of color and passion for palette knife work with refined brushwork – giving viewers insight into her artistic evolution over the past six years. The show also includes preparatory drawings and color studies that provide insight into her process.
“The pursuit of happiness demands we battle – every single day – to feel beauty in unquiet courage; hear rhapsody in silence; and embrace the discordance of mess and mistakes,” she said. Whether enlisting palette knives and wood or brush and canvas, Hollybeth brings audacity and daring to this passionate, essential combat.
Come, meet the artist at the Gallery Opening on Friday, Oct. 4, 5 to 7 pm.
Save the Date: Portrait Unveiling
On Sunday, November 10, immediately following Worship, we will unveil the portrait of minister emerita Rebecca Spencer – by artist and Central member Susan Starkweather.
Tuesdays With Scripture
Our weekly community devotional resumes this month! Every Tuesday morning, we’ll discuss a short Bible passage. Each session is self-contained. Come to one or to all of them! Contact Claudia for a Zoom invitation. She’ll also send you the reading and questions to consider ahead of time. Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, and 22 – 8 to 8:45 am, via Zoom
CCC Women’s Retreat
Central’s annual Women’s Retreat is back! Come away with friends for relaxation and renewal in nearby Pascoag. Imagine! No cooking, planning, or appointments for an entire weekend! Just nourishment for your body, mind, and soul. The cost is $175 for five meals, lodging, and materials. Payment is due Oct. 6. To reserve, contact Claudia. Oct. 25 to 27, at the Episcopal Conference Center (872 Reservoir Road, Pascoag, R.I.)
Food For Thought Book Group
Claudia’s book group will discuss “Strength in What Remains,” by Tracy Kidder (postponed from September) – the story of Deogratias Niyizonkiza’s journey from Burundi to the U.S. and of the ordinary people who helped him. Thursday, Oct. 10, 7 pm, in the Fireplace Room Looking ahead: “Our Missing Hearts,” by Celeste Ng, Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 pm
Women Gather
The topic this month for Central’s women’s fellowship – in honor of Halloween – is fear. We’ll talk about what scares us: the serious, the ridiculous, and everything in between! Questions? Ask Claudia. Sunday, Oct. 13, 12 noon, in the Fireplace Room
Central Men’s Group
Open to all ages, Central Men’s Group is a monthly breakfast gathering – held on the third Thursday of each month – for fellowship and spirited conversation on topics ranging from current events and ethics to trends and shared experiences. If you have questions, contact John Trevor. Thursday, Oct. 17, 7:30 am, in the Fireplace Room
Fourth Thursday Book Group
This month, the Fourth Thursday Book Group will discuss “An Unfinished Love Story,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, one of America’s most beloved historians. Email Ann Scott at eannscott56@gmail.com for a Zoom invitation. Thursday, Oct. 24, 12:30 pm, via Zoom.
REenergized
Dear friends, we kicked off our Church School year on Gathering Sunday with a new curriculum called Deep Blue Rotation Stations. This rotational curriculum allows children to experience a theme or story from the Bible in different ways – via games, science, art, and mission/service – over several weeks. As a result, each story engages them on multiple levels and better sticks with them over time. Plus, if children miss a week, they can still fully participate in our monthly lesson.
For September, our theme was Fruits of Spirit. Our mission/service station focus was on baking pet treats for the Blessing of the Animals. It was a fun and valuable reminder that we can and should be mindful of practicing the Fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control – with all of God’s creatures!
This October, there are many ways for Central families to engage with Religious Education (RE). I particularly want to highlight two upcoming opportunities for Centralites to build community while joining our children and youth in serving our community. The first is Family Service Day on Oct. 5, where we will worship and lunch with Church Beyond the Walls, a street-church community that CCC Youth served during Youth Service Week. The second embodied service opportunity is the very next day, Oct. 6, when we will pack Blessing Bags – hygiene kits – for Better Lives Rhode Island after Sunday Worship.
Of course, CCC Youth will have some special opportunities of their own – especially on Oct. 20. After Worship, Central middle- and high-schoolers will enjoy Youth Lunch Out on Thayer Street. And, later that afternoon, they will enjoy good old-fashioned Pumpkin Patch Pickin’ at a local farm. All families are welcome to join in the Halloween fun!
If have any questions, concerns, or just want to chat, please don’t hesitate to contact me at susannah@centralchurch.us or 470-223-0337. – Susannah
Confirmation
Confirmation is an important milestone in the Christian life cycle, as well as life here at Central. All eighth graders – and older youth who wish to join – are invited on this journey of spiritual discovery where they will learn more about what it means to be a member of the Christian community both within and outside of the church.
In class, confirmands will begin to investigate their personal sense of the Mystery, set intentions for leading spiritual lives that are fulfilling to them, and experience what it is to be vital players in a Christian community. Deacons or members of the permanent diaconate will be paired with the confirmands to serve as mentors and friends as these young folks explore their faith and relationship with the church. We will encourage them to listen to the “still-speaking voice of God” as they help each other wrestle with theological questions – in class and in life – and share their unique experiences, perspectives, and beliefs.
Confirmation Sunday will be Jan. 12. Then March 14 to 15, Central’s freshly confirmed crew will travel to the Craigville Retreat Center on Cape Cod for an overnight retreat – and a chance to commune with nature and one another and learn more about the United Church in Christ, Central’s denomination.
To register, contact Susannah (susannah@centralchurch.us / 470-223-0337). Confirmation classes will meet weekly on Sundays, Oct. 13 through Dec. 8, 9:15 am, in the Education Wing.
Family Service Day
Central families will join Church Beyond the Walls for worship and lunch. This remarkable street-church community builds solidarity among people from all walks of life: housed and unhoused, poor and privileged, churched and unchurched. Questions? Contact Susannah. Saturday, Oct. 5, 12:30 pm to 2 pm, 275 North Main Street, Providence. Mark your calendar for our next Family Service Days on Nov. 2 and 30.
The Blessing Bags Project
Please join CCC Youth as they assemble hygiene kits – which they’ve termed “Blessing Bags” – for Better Lives Rhode Island, a non-profit that helps unhoused individuals find shelter and much-needed wrap-around services. Contact Morgan Johnson or Cheryl Ludwig, CCC Youth volunteers, for more information. Sunday, Oct. 6, after Worship, in the Gallery. And, there’s still time to support our youth by donating hygiene products on our Amazon Wish List.
CCC Youth Lunch Out
All Central middle- and high-schoolers are invited to meet up at Coffee Hour before we walk over to Thayer Street for food and fellowship. Contact Susannah for more information. Sunday, Oct. 20, 11:30 am, on the Chapel Hall Stage. Coming up: We’ll meet for another CCC Youth Lunch Out on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Pumpkin Picking!
All Central families will want to join CCC Youth for some pumpkin patch pickin’ and other fall/Halloween fun. Sunday, Oct. 20, 4 pm, at Four Town Farm (90 George Street, Seekonk, Mass.)
Join the Children’s Choir!
Rehearsals started in September, but it’s not too late to join Central’s Children’s Choir. We welcome children in grades three through eight. And, we encourage them to bring a friend or two (even if they’re not affiliated with Central) since it’s more fun to sing with your pals. Children learn to read, understand, and enjoy music while developing discipline, leadership, and a strong commitment to their faith. Plus, they sing most Sundays. Questions? Contact Patrick Aiken. Rehearsals are weekly on Mondays, 5 to 6 pm, in the Choir Room.
Poetry Corner: To Pray For Wisdom
As we gather again
Red and yellow leaves begin to appear
Heralding Autumn
And an upcoming election
Choices with important consequences
Our vote a privilege and obligation
In a fragile Democracy
Think, Pray, Vote
– Charrell Maxwell
Friday Film Fare
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel in 1982, an acclaimed Steven Spielberg film in 1985, “The Color Purple” is now … a musical! And a fine and moving one too. The story of Celie Harris (Fantasia Barrino) – a young black woman in the rural South, separated from her beloved sister and from her own children, and forced into a loveless marriage to an abusive spouse – becomes a decades-spanning epic of enduring love, resilience, and finding independence. And with a ravishing musical score that opens on a Sunday morning with “The Good Lord Works in Mysterious Ways” to a final, heartfelt “Amen,” this latest incarnation of the now-classic tale glows with a Christian message of, above all, forgiveness. [141 minutes; color; Rated PG-13, 2023] Join host Jim Silverthorn on Friday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 pm, in the Fireplace Room.
October Events
| 1 | Tuesdays With Scripture | 8 am |
| Fruits of the Spirit Gathering | 10 am | |
| 2 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Gallery Committee | 9:30 am | |
| Endowment Committee | 4 pm | |
| 3 | Board of Deacons | 5:45 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 4 | Gallery Opening | 5 pm |
| 5 | Family Service Day | 12:30 pm |
| 6 | Adult Sunday School | 9 am |
| Stewardship Committee | 9:15 am | |
| World Communion Sunday | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| Blessing Bags Project | 11:30 am | |
| Mission Luncheon | 11:30 am | |
| 7 | Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 5 pm |
| 8 | Tuesdays With Scripture | 8 am |
| Plant & Properties Committee | 5:45 pm | |
| 9 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| 10 | Food for Thought Book Group | 7 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 13 | Adult Sunday School | 9 am |
| Confirmation Class | 9:15 am | |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| Women Gather | 12 noon | |
| 15 | Tuesdays With Scripture | 8 am |
| Prudential Committee | 7 pm | |
| 16 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Mission & Action Committee | 6:30 pm | |
| 17 | Central Men’s Group | 7:30 am |
| Fruits of the Spirit Gathering | 6:30 pm | |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 18 | Newsletter Deadline | 3:30 pm |
| Friday Film Fare | 7:30 pm | |
| 20 | Adult Sunday School | 9 am |
| Confirmation Class | 9:15 am | |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| CCC Youth Lunch Out | 12 noon | |
| Pumpkin Picking | 4 pm | |
| 21 | Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 5 pm |
| Technology Committee | 7 pm | |
| 22 | Tuesdays With Scripture | 8 am |
| Inquirers’ Meeting | 7 pm | |
| 23 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| 24 | Fourth Thursday Book Group | 12:30 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 25 | Women’s Retreat | 4 pm |
| 27 | Confirmation Class | 9:15 am |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| Membership Committee | 12 noon | |
| 28 | Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 5 pm |
| 30 | Amos House Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Faith Exploration | 7 pm | |
| 31 | Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm |
The Church Office will be closed on Monday, October 14, for Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day.